William Karlsson didn't miss a beat
William Karlsson started the 2024-25 season on the injured reserve, leaving the Vegas Golden Knights without a formidable penalty killer. It also left the team without a reliable scoring option in the middle of the lineup, where they looked vulnerable on paper. You can't just rely on Jack Eichel and Tomas Hertl to create offense, you know?
Still, that hasn't deterred the "Original Misfit" once he returned. The forward has scored two goals and four assists in eight games, including a short-handed goal. He looks as quick and offensively savvy as ever, making him a threat to score at any time.
Of course, the defensive play has also improved because of Karlsson. The Swedish center has no problems skating 200 feet of the ice as he looks for the open opportunity. That's made him valuable in the middle of the lineup, where he can get the Golden Knights in transition.
Certain players fit specific needs in the lineup, whether it's the elite center (Eichel), power play merchant (Hertl), or reliable two-way forward (Stone). But Karlsson brings a balanced act to the forward group, making him one of the most important pieces for Vegas.